Common Ways An Appendicitis is Misdiagnosed

Every emergency room doctor and primary care doctor should be aware of the most common signs and symptoms of an appendicitis.  They include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and fever and chills. But not all patients present with these classic signs and symptoms.  In fact, approximately 30% of patients who are ultimately diagnosed with an appendicitis have seen a previous doctor related to the same complaint but were not properly diagnosed.

Treating doctors should be very careful with patients who present with only some or a few of the signs and symptoms suggestive of appendicitis. According to an article written by Dr. Brian Camazine, these are the most commonly misdiagnosed patients:

1. Not all classic signs and/or symptoms of appendicitis present. 
2. Pain without nausea and vomiting.
3. No rectal exam performed or documented by the doctor.
4. Patient given narcotic pain medication and discharged. (This can mask increasing pain).
5. Misdiagnosis of gastroenteritis.
6. No instruction to return or follow-up with doctor in 12-24 hours.

When an appendicitis is misdiagnosed, it can ultimately rupture and cause serious injury or death.  If you think your doctor may have misdiagnosed an appendicitis, call the Tennessee medical malpractice attorneys at Bailey & Greer immediately. 

Thomas Greer

Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements

Read more about Thomas R. Greer